AIARE Level 1 HUT TRIP - Immersive Avalanche Education
DECISION MAKING IN AVALANCHE TERRAIN
The AIARE 1 is an introduction to avalanche hazard management. Students can expect to develop a good grounding in how to prepare for and carry out a backcountry trip, to understand basic decision making while in the field, and to learn rescue techniques required to find and dig out a buried person (if an avalanche occurs and someone in the party is caught).
This is a women specific AIARE level 1 course. We always welcome femme, transgender and gender non-conforming people who are comfortable in a femme-centered space.
The AIARE 1 is an introduction to avalanche hazard management. Students can expect to develop a good grounding in how to prepare for and carry out a backcountry trip, to understand basic decision making while in the field, and to learn rescue techniques required to find and dig out a buried person (if an avalanche occurs and someone in the party is caught).
This is a women specific AIARE level 1 course. We always welcome femme, transgender and gender non-conforming people who are comfortable in a femme-centered space.
Location
Hut Trip in Breckenridge
Date & Time
Online: TBA 1 week before trip // Field days: Jan. 30th-Feb 1st
Included:
· AIARE L1 certificate of course completion.
· Professional VNTRbirds guides/educators
· 2 dinners
· Immersive backcountry experience
· AIARE field book
· An inclusive femme space to learn & practice
· Hut trip packing list
· AIARE L1 certificate of course completion.
· Professional VNTRbirds guides/educators
· 2 dinners
· Immersive backcountry experience
· AIARE field book
· An inclusive femme space to learn & practice
· Hut trip packing list
$945
Payment plan available!
What will you learn?
· How to develop a plan for travel in avalanche terrain.
· Demonstrate the ability to identify avalanche terrain.
· Effectively use The AIARE Risk Management Framework to make terrain choices in a group setting.
· Demonstrate effective companion rescue.
Open to both skiers and splitboarders. You should be able to ski/ride blues and blacks ungroomed terrain confidently on the resort. You must be able to efficiently travel on snow on your backcountry equipment. You need to have proper backcountry safety equipment including TRANSCEIVER, SHOVEL, PROBE, BACKPACK.
Need to rent safety equipment? It will be available to rent through us in registration. Additional $50.
Need to get to know your backcountry equipment before your AIARE course? Sign up for an Intro to Backcountry course first!
· Demonstrate the ability to identify avalanche terrain.
· Effectively use The AIARE Risk Management Framework to make terrain choices in a group setting.
· Demonstrate effective companion rescue.
Open to both skiers and splitboarders. You should be able to ski/ride blues and blacks ungroomed terrain confidently on the resort. You must be able to efficiently travel on snow on your backcountry equipment. You need to have proper backcountry safety equipment including TRANSCEIVER, SHOVEL, PROBE, BACKPACK.
Need to rent safety equipment? It will be available to rent through us in registration. Additional $50.
Need to get to know your backcountry equipment before your AIARE course? Sign up for an Intro to Backcountry course first!
Schedule
· Pre-course learning - receive this immediately when you register. (If you register before October 31st you'll get it on November. 1 via email) Give yourself plenty of time to get through all the information and be ready to jump into your course!
· Online -TBA (week before trip)
· 3 days/2 nights in the field
· Online -TBA (week before trip)
· 3 days/2 nights in the field
ABOUT THE HUT
Perched at the edge of a high meadow on the slopes of Bald Mountain, just outside Breckenridge, the Sisters Cabin is the newest addition to the Summit Huts Association. Completed in 2018 to honor a close-knit group of women who have found sisterhood and solace in the mountains of Colorado, the beautifully built Sisters Cabin has stunning views of the Tenmile Range.
Elevation: 11,473′
Heat: Wood Burning Stove
Oven: Propane
Wood-burning sauna — don’t forget your swimsuit for some well-earned nightly relaxation!**
Water: Cistern / Snow Melt*
Lighting: Solar Power
Indoor Toilet: Composting
We respectfully acknowledge that this event is located on the traditional lands of the Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute) people. We honor their enduring connection to this land, their history, and their culture. As we enjoy the beauty and resources of this region, we recognize the past and present contributions of the Ute people, and we commit to fostering respect and understanding for Indigenous communities.
Meet your instructors
Professional, certified & experienced VNTRbirds instructors & staff.
Janine Prout
LEAD AIARE INSTRUCTOR
AIARE PRO level 2 · AIARE Lead Instructor · EMT · WFR
Leanne Wren
OWNER/AIARE INSTRUCTOR
AIARE PRO level 2 · AIARE Avalanche Educator · WFR
Kelley Wren
Owner/Support
AIARE Level 2 · AIARE Rescue · WFR
Why take a course with us?
I feel as though I have gained so much confidence and I’m looking forward to utilizing what I’ve learned in future excursions. To top it all off, they actually made learning FUN!
- Kaily
They are bringing together women, inspiring them, creating friendships, teaching and making them feel empowered. They have created an incredible culture for women to be part of!
- Jessie
Every event I have been to has been a great experience, so much to learn, and a very comfortable environment to do so! Guides are VERY knowledgable!
- Carly
Need help paying for an AIARE Level 1 course?
Apply for our Scholarship!
Important Info:
· Helmets are required for all courses.
· Ages: All are welcome. Participants must be 18+ or accompanied by a parent/guardian.
· Inclusive space: LGBTQ+ welcome • BIPOC welcome • Femme-centered
Hut Trip Payment & Cancellation Policy:
Payment Schedule
· A non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking to secure your spot.
· The remaining balance is due 30 days prior to the trip start date. If payment is not received by this deadline, your spot may be forfeited without refund.
Cancellation Policy
· Due to the nature of hut reservations and trip logistics, all payments are non-refundable.
· If you are unable to attend, you may transfer your spot to another eligible participant (arranged by you) with written notice to VNTRbirds at least 7 days prior to the trip.
· Credit card processing fees are collected by the card processor, not VNTRbirds, and therefore cannot be refunded.
· We highly recommend purchasing third-party travel insurance to help protect your investment in the event of unforeseen circumstances (such as illness, injury, or travel delays) that may prevent you from attending.
Requirements:
All participants must complete a waiver and medical history form prior to the course.
Proper backcountry equipment and safety gear, including: Avalanche transceiver, Shovel, Probe and Backcountry-specific backpack
Apply for our Scholarship!
Important Info:
· Helmets are required for all courses.
· Ages: All are welcome. Participants must be 18+ or accompanied by a parent/guardian.
· Inclusive space: LGBTQ+ welcome • BIPOC welcome • Femme-centered
Hut Trip Payment & Cancellation Policy:
Payment Schedule
· A non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking to secure your spot.
· The remaining balance is due 30 days prior to the trip start date. If payment is not received by this deadline, your spot may be forfeited without refund.
Cancellation Policy
· Due to the nature of hut reservations and trip logistics, all payments are non-refundable.
· If you are unable to attend, you may transfer your spot to another eligible participant (arranged by you) with written notice to VNTRbirds at least 7 days prior to the trip.
· Credit card processing fees are collected by the card processor, not VNTRbirds, and therefore cannot be refunded.
· We highly recommend purchasing third-party travel insurance to help protect your investment in the event of unforeseen circumstances (such as illness, injury, or travel delays) that may prevent you from attending.
Requirements:
All participants must complete a waiver and medical history form prior to the course.
Proper backcountry equipment and safety gear, including: Avalanche transceiver, Shovel, Probe and Backcountry-specific backpack